Getting permissions from proprietors. Is there an easier way to do this?
This morning I wrote a proprietor -- an artist and craftsman -- to ask permission to use 3 of her images on my website. I am waiting for her/their response. If they reject my request, no doubt they will provide suggestions or guidance as to what they *will* allow since they do allow affiliate marketing.
What is not inherently understood is permission to use any of the lovely images on her site which help sell her product/s. She paid for the photographer and web designer who created them as they appear today. So, this morning, I wrote to ask if she would allow me to also use at least a few, to help maintain the same "feel" around her product that she has already created and then, subsequently, help sales as well.
I am now thinking about the other two images I've used (that were not available as stock). The images express perfectly what I want to express. But they aren't mine to use. There were no signs attached that read: "use me liberally for your personal gain". There were no signs attached that said, "don't use me" either. Doesn't it sometimes seem as the internet IS one big free-for-all? In fact, there are many and sundry laws regulating all of this, and some Affiliate Networks (the better ones) steer clear of what looks like neglect to the adherence of these laws.
So that slows down my website development even further as I have to think up "Plan B" and/or find new appropriate imagery. Is there any easier way to do this?
It occurs to me though, that it might be time to start making connections with artists in my own community who have a complimentary interest in getting their pieces advertised. The other day, DBStar wrote about the connection between the online and offline communities and this may be a way for me to start blending the two. Ultimately, it might make the website(s) stronger in that they will be backed by real people with complimentary interests.
But who knows? I'll keep you updated. What I *do* want to avoid are legal issues later on or a complete redesign of a *finished* website some day in the future.
Frankly, it seems like just another thing to slow me down; but, the laws are real. Any thoughts on this issue?
P.S. As I go to to Tag this article, I find there is not a single tag available on "permissions", "getting permission" , or on "proprietary" ... so I am going to add some now. I found one tag called, "legal issues with online business". For the tens of thousands of people running through here, is the absense of tags (relevant material) in this area a good sign?
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As a thought, we could broach the subject with Kyle and have WA set up files for us all to access.
I like the idea. I'm not as computer savvy as you, but a post or space to add pictures in image categories that all WA members could contribute to, and pull from would be fantastic.
Thank you for spreading the word. I appreciate that your having done so also brought the post from Jenn above. Will you please keep me posted regarding whatever strides are made for Image Categories for WA members? If you blog about it, send me a headsup. Thanks in advance. Emme
Not sure whether or not members are collaborating with their sites as most people are essentially independent. Affiliates may participate in JV's (joint ventures) however.
Keep up the great work!
Great subject to bring up. I like the idea of taking your own pictures, not of course, in your situation but I like it for my website.
Thanks for the post.
Dawn
The problem that sometimes exists with taking ones own pictures is simply that, without some adequate training and practice, the images do not Compel, or ·draw-in· the reader/audience as much as we might hope them to be.
Add the type/types of pictures you are looking for here, so we might be able to provide a source.... Byron
Byron, this is a wonderful idea and may very well be "creatable". Private sources of people willing to contribute. Maybe what I should do is create a post that specifically details the specific image categories sought, add to that a DROPBOX address or G+ address, and go from there? What do you think?
I use my own or I Google Free photo for (what ever I need), But where you are trying to follow a theme you will need to get permission. Do you have the "No Right Click Images Plugin" By Keith P. Graham. It will keep people from taking Photos off of your site.
That, Bill, is a great idea. Seems there are plugins for everything but I had no idea that this "No Right Click" element was also available. I will search for it today. I also like how it protects the privacy of the contributors, to the extent that they can at least rest assured that whatever they do contribute will STAY where they contributed it, rather than get spread across Pinterest and Facebook, for instance.
By the way, I apologize for the delay in responding. I've been overwhelmed and overloaded with the amount of work to be done and have simply not been able to surface till today.
I have found this is easy to use go to add plugin and search for
"No Right Click Images "
Uses Javascript to prevent right clicking of images to help keep leaches from copying images
Version 2.5 | By Keith P. Graham | Visit plugin site
I take most of the photos myself, and it is incredible what you can do with a little imagination. But I also joined some groups on Facebook who have similar interests, and they send me a lot of recipes and photos. Maybe you could do the same. Not recipes but whatever you need
Hi Debbie, I do have a facebook page with over a 1000 fans .... www.facebook.com/BreastCancerTattoos .... and they have started to contribute their own images and stories and invitations to these. This dynamic is young and new and I need to learn how to nurture it in a meaningful way, .... I'm working on that (and any suggestions you have on this community aspect would be greatly appreciated) .... but I will also see about reaching out and into other relevant communities. I know Pinterest has several SHARED PIN BOARDS that invite additional pinners and I could probably get images and permissions from them as well. ............ Have you done a search on Shared Pin Boards relevant to your own niche(s)?
I just go to Pond5.com and buy the small images royalty free. Quality images for $2 or $3 dollars it saves all the stress.
Russ, thank you for the link. I've opened it in my browser now to begin exploring it.
Also, please pardon me for the delay in responding. I've been buried and blocked with regards to the amount of work to do and have only been able to surface back to WA this morning.
I've been out drumming up Team Members to take a stake in this project and that has involved additional hours of conversation and what-not.
Is anybody else out there (WA community) constructing their website in a Team environment?
Update: This from Commission Junction's "Code of Conduct" (separate from their 42 page Terms & Agreements doc):
"•Use of Trademarks, Service Marks, Copyrights, Brand Names, etc. Publishers may not use any advertiser trademarks, service marks, branded terms, URL, etc, in any promotional method, unless the rights-holder has given specific permission for publishers to do so."
Quite straight-forward.
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Hi Emme,
Most of the photos online are copyrighted except those by 'beginners', they share photos without thinking of the consequences.
You did right with sending a letter for permission.
The reason why photos owners don't allow anyone to use their photos are: they make a living from their photos and secondly they don't want people who do commercial/business use their photos for 'free'. Some have given permission that anyone could use their photos for personal use only and not for business/commercial.
As for asking permission from someone who has the photos on his/her website, please bear in mind that the photos might not be theirs, meaning they could have also used them without permission.
The best way to get photos for your website, especially when your website is to generate income for you, is to get them through stock agencies. All photos that are sent to the websites have a model release or property release. Meaning, the photographers have already asked permission from the model or the owner of a building that the photos would be used as a commercial purpose.
So, that's the only best way to use a photo without feeling guilty/fearful, being sued etc.. There are many stock agencies you can find online. I am not sure we're allowed to add the link here because of the 'no spam' policy, but please google: stock agencies.
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/wealthy-affiliate-the-open-education-project/spam-is-a-no-no
Hope that helps. I've written a few simple blogs on photography myths and will be adding more in the future for my friends to start clicking themselves and to give more confidence in doing their own photography.
Cheers,
Jenn
p.s. Thanks to bobbybub for sharing with me about this so I could at least share a bit what I know. ;)
Hi Jenn,
THank you for such a thoughtful reply. I hope you will cut and paste it and convert it into a WA blog, if you have not done so already.
With regards to gaining confidence in doing photography, I have recently come across this app> CAMERA+ , which can also be Googled as such. It claimes to take the average amateur photograph to the next level of awesome, and, while made for iPhone, there is also supposed to be an Android version.
I have read the rules and have two friends who have tried to become contributors of such stock places like istockphoto but they have been rejected. The standards are clear and high regarding technical issues involving composition, lighting, focus and more.
Later, as time permits, I will jog by your WA site and look for the postings you mentioned as I can use all the help I can get. Thank you for taking the extra time to post and, again, in such a thoughtful manner.
Speak soon,
Emme
Hi Emme, I'm rewriting my reply to you into a blog. I'll post it soon. Thanks for your great support. :) Wish you all the best.
Jenn